
Class _:PlJia-V5 
Rnnlc .A^S T).s 



GopiglitW. 



1°))^ 



COFffilGHT DEPOSnV 



DIAMONDS 
IN THE ROUGH 



BY JENNIE R. JELLISON WAYT 




Go forth, my precious " Diamonds," 

Upon your humble way; 
And, though unpolished and uncut, 

Perchance some little ray 
May sparkle from your pages white, 

And shine into the heart 
Of some dear friend or loved one ; 

Go forth, and do your part. 






Copyright, 1912, by Jennik R. Jellison Wayt 



THE SMITH-BROOKS PRESS, DENVER 

©CLA330991 



CONTENTS 



A Letter (to my dear mother and my pa who live at 

Springdale, Ark.) 7 

Tie the Knot Tightly 10 

Fifty Years Later 12 

An Acrostic (Walsenburg) 15 

The Knocker 16 

The Booster 17 

Life Is Not a Song 18 

To Mother 22 

The Agent 23 

Light After Darkness 24 

Fiftieth Anniversary 26 

Shoot Him in the Back 28 

A Riddle 30 

Sunshine and Rain 32 

The Girl I Loved in Denver 33 

Lines on Leaving an Only Daughter's Grave 34 

Married — Jellison-Muck 36 

In Memory of Little Verne 38 

To the Memory of Annie 40 

To Robert 41 

The Girl of 1911 44 

Lead Home Thy Child 45 

Nineteen Hundred Twelve 46 

In Memoriam 49 

The World and Independent 50 

Father's Christmas Shopping 50 

Mother's Christmas Shopping 52 

Guide Us, O Thou Star of Heaven 54 

A Christmas Acrostic 54 

The Christian's Hope 56 



An Advertisement for My Husband 58 

Lines Accompanying a Gift to a Friend 50 

Since Firmie's Gone 00 

Love Me Now 61 

Tramp, Tramp, Tramp 63 

Life 65 

The Weather Man 66 

When the Cat's Away 67 

Hurrah! for the Home, Etc 69 

Walsenburg 70 

My Father Planned It All 70 

On the Occasion of a Farewell Party 72 

In Memoriam 73 

Lovely Woman 74 

Colorado, Farewell 76 

To a Son On His Nineteenth Birthday 77 

An Acrostic — To a Girl Friend 78 

Song of the Presidents 78 

Washington's Birthday 80 

Recitation for Washington's Birthday 82 

Colorado 83 

Written on the Death of My Dear Brother, Will 84 

Right is Might 86 

Monkeys and Men 87 

Bury the Hatchet SS 

Arkansas 89 



INTRODUCTORY 



These poems have been written from ti/me to 
time during my life, some of them at quite an early 
age. 

Having been requested by friends to have them 
published in book form, I shall venture to do so, not 
presuming them to be of interest, except to relatives 
and intimate friends. 

I shall call my little book "Diamonds in the 
Rough/' thinking that they might be of some value, 
even though in an unpolished state. 

I lovingly dedicate the same 

"To my Dear Mother and my Pa, 
Who live at Springdxile, Arkansaw." 

TEE AUTHOR. 



Walsenburg, Colorado, 
March 8, 1912. 

To my dea/r Motlwr and my Pa: — 
Wlw live in Sptingdale^ Arkansaw — 

As I am all alone tonight, 

A letter I will try to write; 

My thoughts are few and far between, 

As scarce as chicken's teeth, I ween ; 

But I will try to do my best 

To give some news about the West. 

My husband's gone down town, you see, 

And no one's home, but Tige and me; 

But he is e'er a trusty friend 

And would protect me to the end. 

My sons are both away from home. 

Which makes me very sad and lone; 

I hope that some day, they may be 

At home again, to comfort me. 

A precious girlie once I had — 

When she was here I ne'er was sad ; 

She was a ray of sunshine bright. 

And scattered darkness, gloom and night. 

But God, with wisdom all His own. 

Saw best to take my darling home; 

And though for her I sadly yearn, 

No more to me will she return. 

But soon, some glad, some blessed day, 

I'll be with her again to stay — 

Until that time I'll trust her there 

Safe sheltered in the Father's care. 

No darksome clouds, no wintry blast, 

No pain, no sorrow — all are past; 

And she is waiting over there 

'Till mamma comes, her joy to share. 



Diamonds in the Rough 



Then keep me true to Thee, O God ! 
And may I love the chastening rod, 
Bear patiently my daily cross — 
May sorrow's fires consume my dross. 

I still have left, dear Mrs. R. — 

My friend, so true, my guiding star; 

She is a treasure, heaven sent, 

To cheer me, when away you went ; 

And while with you I cannot be, 

She fills a mother's place to me. 

She comforts me with word and smile, 

And lives the Christ-life all the while; 

A counselor, a friend, so kind. 

Who lifts the fallen, leads the blind. 

I thank the Lord that her I've left 

While of my mother I'm bereft. 

Your tenants soon will move away — 
In fact he's gone since yesterday; 
But she will stay a month or so. 
Until her chickens hatch, you know. 
He had to leave his wife behind 
While he a place will try to find 
Vv^here larjrer wages he can earn. 
And they'll have money, then, to burn. 
But Mr. nunt had told him, too, 
A cheaper man for him would do; 
So Mr. Jamieson then did hike. 
Not in an auto, or on a bike — 
But on the train he had to go. 
Across the range to Durango. 

I think you soon will be quite rich 
A selling butter, milk and "sich ;'' 
But I'm afraid you are too old 
To in that way take in the gold. 



Diamonds in the Rough 



Go sell your jersey by the pound, 
And buy a horse and drive around. 
I wish that I was living near 
So I could have some butter, dear; 
The butter that I here can get 
My appetite don't seem to whet. 
I too would like, you'd better think, 
A glass of buttermilk to drink. 

I feel quite blue, and sadly fear 

Our time for moving is not near; 

The lumber sale has fallen through, 

As may air-castles always do ; 

So a new buyer we'll await 

E'er we can hope to leave the state. 

Until we're wrinkled, old and gray. 

We here will likely have to stay ; 

And though they treat us mighty tough 

We still must stay here with the stuff. 

But we will wait and hope and pray 

That God will speed the happy day 

When we can move to Arkansaw, 

And be again with Ma and Pa. 

But if we ever go away. 

My thoughts will often backward stray — 

My home, so dear, I'll ne'er forget. 

For I love Colorado yet. 

Now please, dear parents, write to me; 

And though your faces I can't see — 

It will to me some comfort lend 

If you will soon a letter send. 

To let me know I'm in your thought — 

Though severed far — yet not forgot. 

With love, 

JENNIE. 



10 Diamonds in the Rough 



TIE THE KNOT TIGHTLY 



Fill out the papers, Parson, 

An' then make out your bill 
For tyin' us together 

For good, and maybe ill; 
Jennie is my sweetheart — 

She's neither shy nor bold, 
An' though she weighs a hundred, 

She's worth her weight in gold. 

An' when you tie the knot, sir, 

Jist tie it good and tight; 
For when we're hitched together 

I want the job done right; 
For beaux she's had a-plenty — 

A new one every night 
A-kissin' of her rosy lips. 

An' huggin' of her tight, 

Till I was well-nigh crazy, 

An' mad enough to fight ; 
I couldn't eat my victuals, 

Nor sleep a wink at night. 
An' once I went to see her 

(All shakin' like a leaf), 
A-feelin' like my time had come, 

Unless I got relief. 

Well, I had learnt my piece by heart, 

Because I'd wrote it down — 
About her laffin' eyes, you know, 

An' hair a-bein' brown, 
An' all that sort o' taffy 

(I guess you know the rest) — 
As how I'd like it, if her head 

Was lavin' on my breast. 



Diamonds in the Rough 11 

But when I got my courage up 

To nigh the poppin' point, 
My tongue got sorter twisted, 

An' mostly out o' joint; 
An' pshaw ! I was as cold as ice, 

An' had a ague chill — 
With her a-sittin', quiet like. 

An' laffin' fit to kill. 

I started in to tell her. 

An' said: ''Miss Grey" — an' then 
I swallered somethin' in my throat 

An' started in again ; 
I said : "Why — say — Miss Jennie, 

Do you love — say — Miss Grey, 
Do you love Choc'late car'mels?" 

An' she said : "I sh'ld say !" 

N' then she said : "Why, Mr. Smith. 

Who'd think 'twas after ten?" 
N' I said : "I'll be goin !" 

N' she said : "Call again !" 
Somehow, my arms got round her. 

My tongue got straightened out, 
N' I said: "Do you love me?" 

W she said, with a pout : 

"Why, course I do, you silly goose !" 

(I'd been too blind to see 
'At she had just been teasin'. 

An' wanted only me; 
'At Tom an' Dick an' Harry 

Was nothin' to her then) ; 
She said I was her all-in-all. 

Her great, big, bashful Ben. 



12 Diamonds in the Rough 

An', honest, Parson, ever since 

It's heaven all the while — 
With all the other fellers 

A-dyin' for a smile. 
So tie*^ the knot, good Parson, 

An' then I'll have no fear; 
But tie it so it won't come loose — 

At least for fifty year. 
♦ *> <♦ 
FIFTY YEARS LATER 

Draw up your rocker. Jennie, 

An' sit here by my side; 
This is our golden w eddin' day, 

An' you my bonnie bride; 
Say that you love me, sweetheart, 

As on that day, you know, 
When you became my little wife, 

Just fifty year ago. 

How well do I remember 

That day us two v/as wed! 
Why, dear, a halo seemed to shine 

Around your pretty head ; 
You were an angel in my sight 

(W^hate'er I was to you) ; 
An' you are just as dear tonight 

As fifty year ago. 

To me your eye is heaven's blue, 

Your lips are sweet and red, 
An' beautiful the silver locks 

A-crownin' of your head; 
Your form seems bent to others, 

To me you're slim and straight, 
As when I put my arm around 

Your waist, down by the gate. 



Diamonds in the Rough 13 

You've alius been so patient, 

So lovin', an' so true, 
'At life's been mostly sunshine, 

Though storms did sometimes brew. 
I'm 'fraid you've alius carried 

More'n your share o' the load — 
But now we're near our journey's end 

Along life's toilsome road. 

Mind how we laughed like children. 

An' hunted for a name, 
An' couldn't find none nice enough. 

Afore the baby came? 
We thought our cup of happiness 

Was heapin' up afore, 
But after baby's comin' 

'Twas simply runnin' o'er! 

Then, how we planned and labored, 

Rejoicin' day an' night. 
An' askin' God for wisdom 

To train our boy aright; 
An' how he kep' a-growin' 

(The cunnin' little thing), 
'Till he could talk and toddle. 

An' made the old house ring! 

An' when our little Johnnie 

Went up to heaven that day. 
You mind I couldn't shed a tear, 

Nor couldn't even pray; 
I couldn't trust the Father, 

Nor look Him in the face — 
Not when I thought of Johnnie, 

An' seen that empty place. 



14 Diamonds in the Rough 

But you was brave an' gentle, 

An' even tried to smile; 
An', though your heart was breakin', 

Kep' prayin' all the while. 
An' tellin' me the Saviour 

Was carin' for our lamb ; 
An' while I groaned and murmured. 

You kep' so still an' ca'm. 

You said we'd both be lonely 

Without our darlin's face — 
But, still, we had each other, 

An' God would give us grace; 
So we have clung together, 

Lovin' each other more, 
An' tried to comfort other hearts, 

Which made our own less sore. 

I, somehow, sorter feel tonight 

It won't be very long 
Till me an' you an' Johnnie 

'LI sing the glory song. 
An' if it please the Father 

To take us, one by one. 
We'd soon be all together 

Up thar' in Kingdom Come. 

Just hold my hand, now, sweetheart, 

An' sit up closer, dear! 
My eyes seem growin' dimmer. 

An' I feel sorter queer. 
He closed his weary eyelids, 

And, with the faintest moan. 
He'd gone to be with Johnnie, 

And she was left alone. 



I 



Diamonds in the Rough i? 

But when they laid his form away 

By Johnnie, 'neath the sod, 
Her faith kept growing stronger, 

She trusted still in God; 
And in a very little while 

Death's angel came again. 
And she was reunited 

With Johnnie and with Ben. 



AN ACROSTIC 



Walsenburg, Gem of the Rockies, 

A tribute to you we would bring : 

Long, long, may you live, and yet prosper! 

Songs and praises to you we would sing. 

Each cloud, and each mountain peak, linger 

Near our hearts, when afar we must roam. 

Back, back once again let us wander 

Unto thee, our fair Mountain Home! 

Rich fields of black diamonds surround her — 

Go delve in the earth, then, for wealth ! 

Come out in our home in the Rockies ! 
Over all floats the Banner of Health. 
Long life with contentment's the portion 
Of each mother's son and his wife. 
Rejoice and be glad, sickly people: 
A new lease we'll give you on life! 
Don't linger or longer delay, then ! 
Oh, come where our pleasures are rife ! 



16 Diamonds in the Rough 

Come to Sunny Colorado, 

If you seek abundant >yealth ; 
And the victim of the White Plague 

Here regains his shattered health. 
If you want long life, and plenty, 

Make our town 3 our home, sweet home ; 
And v» hen once you here have settled. 

Nevermore you'll wish to roam. 
But e'en though afar you wander, 

Still for Walsenburg you'll boost; 
And, believe me, like the chickens. 

You'll at last come home to roost! 



THE KNOCKER 



The knocker knocks, you bet your life ! 
He knocks his kids, he knocks his w^ife, 
He knocks the one who gave him birth. 
He knocks at everything on earth. 

He knocks the country and the town; 
For everything he wears a frown ; 
There's nothing ever quite suits him — 
What is, what ain't, nor what has been. 

Sometimes the wind will blow a spell 
In Walsenburg, so I've heard tell; 
And then he'll knock and chew the rag, 
And of some other town will brag; 

And, while the gale is rising higher, 
Will say, while hotter grows his ire: 
" 'Twould serve this country right, all right. 
To blow it up Avith dynamite! 



Diamonds in the Rough 17 

He knocks at Gangs and Politics, 
At all their graft and low-down tricks; 
He thinks that all are on the beat, 
And only waiting him to cheat. 

He knocks the City Dads a while, 
And tells them, with a heavenly smile. 
That if he but the thing could run, 
He'd make the gang and gamblers hum. 

He'd make this town an Eden fair, 
So free from sin's seductive snare 
That men would soon be sprouting wings. 
And playing golden harps and things. 

He knocks by niglit, he knocks by day ; 
He knocks until his hair is gray; 
He's knocking witli his latest breath, 
And goes on knocking after death. 

He knocks and knocks forevermore, 
When landed on the other shore; 
He thinks his starry crov/n don't fit, 
And wants someone to alter it. 

When ceaseless years have come and gone, 
He still keeps up the same old song; 
E'en Heaven is not what it should be — 
And so he knocks, eternallv. 



THE BOOSTER 



The booster boosts, I do declare ! 
He thinks that life is on the square; 
While others frown, and sneer, and scoff. 
He wears a smile that won't come off. 



18 Diamonds in the Rough 

He boosts for home, and native land, 
Pure air, and mountain scenery grand ; 
For gentle zephyrs, cool and sweet. 
Which lift pedestrians off their feet. 

He dabbles not in politics. 
And 'gainst the Gang he never kicks ; 
He boosts his town to beat the band. 
And loves the Brotherhood of Man. 

And though he may not quite agree, 
Not always see as others see, 
While tending strictly to his biz, 
He lets the Mayor tend to his. 

He boosts the business men along. 
And cheers them with his smile and song. 
The stranger thinks this town must be 
The very place to tie to — see? 

Some blessed day he'll soar on high 
To fairer realms beyond the sky ; 
Perchance he'll in that happy place 
Meet with the knocker, face to face. 

And as the ceaseless ages roll, 
And they're no nearer to the goal, 
The one will boost his heavenly home, 
The other knock and wear a frown. 



LIFE IS NOT A SONG 



This life is not a song. 
It treats you mighty wrong; 
You're born a measly little chap 
And don't know where you're at. 



Diamonds in the Rough 1^ 

Soon, you're a bouncing boy, 

Dear mother's pride and joy; 

Ere many months roll on 

You will the trousers don. 

And off to school you'll hike ; 

A knowing little tike, 

Who thinks it is a joke 

To use cuss words and smoke. 

You get your trousers tanned 

By teacher's soft, white hand, 

Because you pinch the girls, 

And pull their auburn curls ; 

Sometimes go on the bum. 

And otherwise have fun ; 

The months and years seem long — 

Oh, life is not a song! 

You travel day by day 

Up manhood's shining way; 

At school, by teachers taught 

A lot of tommyrot, 

And cramming feeble brain 

With things it can't retain, 

Until some day you'll be 

A lawyer, or M. D. 

Now, you may lie and cheat, 

And scandal oft repeat. 

To down the other chap 

And wipe him off the map. 

Dame Fortune smiles on you; 

Ambitious mammas, too; 

You feel you need a home 

And fireside, all your own ; 

That, with a wife to help along, 

Your life would be a song. 



20 Diamonds in the Rough 

So, when you spy a maid 

In hobble-skirt arrayed; 

Her hair all puff, and rat. 

Your heart goes pit-a-pat, 

And you at once decide 

She'll be your blushing bride. 

Then you the question pop ; 

Down on your knees you drop. 

And rave, and tear your hair. 

And tell her she is fair. 

At last she will confess 

She loves you more or less ; 

And to the preacher man 

You gallop, hand in hand. 

The fatal words are said, 

The wedding fee is paid, 

And to your cosy home 

You take your only own. 

The grocery bills appear 

Your loving heart to cheer. 

Soon nurse will come, O joy ! 

And tell you, "It's a boy !" 

The doctor's statement comes along — 

Oh, life is not a song! 

You walk the floor at night, 
To keep your darling quiet ; 
While wifie loud doth snore, 
The kid yells, more and more; 
By turns, you sing, and curse. 
Do other things still worse; 
You wish that you were dead, 
Or lying snug in bed. 
At last, with loving tone. 
You wake your only own. 



Diamonds in the Rough ^^ 

Once more you tear your hair, 
And tell her she is fair. 
Then down the baby's throat 
Pour paregoric dope, 
Until he falls asleep ; 
Hushed is his little weep, 
And you to bed can go. 
To napj an hour or so ; 
Then rise at peep of dawn — 
Oh, life is not a song! 

Still other cherubs come 
To bless your happy home ; 
The bills likewise increase, 
Expenses never cease. 
Now, you begin to pine 
For days of "Auld Lang Syne," 
When dad the bills did pay. 
And mother washed all day, 
And sister stayed at home 
And sewed the buttons on. 
Ere long your toil shall cease. 
And death bring sweet release. 
And when she's done with you, 
Then wife gets number two ; 
He then must buy the hash, 
And furnish all the cash ; 
And, while you're resting there, 
So free from toil and care. 
He'll find that years are long. 
And life is not a song. 



22 Diamonds in the Rough 



TO MOTHER 

(Accompanying a birthday gift to my mother, in the year 
1889.) 



This is a very meager gift 

For one so dear to me; 
Yet still my love remains the same, 

Though far away from thee. 

I'll ne'er forget my mother dear, 

My truest earthly friend, 
Who, though all other friends should fail, 

Is true till life shall end. 

In thought I wander back again 
To childhood's home and thee. 

When life was one long summer dream, 
From care and toil so free. 

I seem once more the little child, 

Kneeling at mother's knee; 
Telling my little childish griefs 

And troubles o'er to thee; 

Repeating, ''I lay me down to sleep," 
When none were near but you; 

With childish trust and confidence — 
Methinks God listened, too. 

You brought me up as I should go; 

You led my feet aright; 
The Christian teaching that you gave 

Has been a beacon bright, 



Diamonds in the Rough 23 

To guide my bark o'er life's rough sea ; 

If this I keep in sight, 
Twill steer me clear of rocks and shoals, 

Through every stormy night; 

And lead me home to Heaven at last, 
When the stormy voyage is o'er; 

To meet with all the loved and lost, 
Safe on the other shore. 



THE AGENT 



Who it it goes from door to door 
With goods, of which he has a store, 
And tells his story o'er and o'er? 

The Agent. 

Who is it always has the best 
That e'er was sold in East or West? 
And if you buy, you'll get a rest — 

The Agent. 

Who is it in the morn will come, 
Before you have your dishes done, 
And then for hours his tongue will run? 

The Agent. 

Who, when your bread is in to bake, 
Also a lovely angel cake. 
And, while they burn, your dimes will take? 

The Agent. 

Who tells you that you need his ware: 
'Twill lengthen life, and brighten care, 
And make your burdens light as air? 

The Agent. 



24 Diamonds in the Rough 

AVho bothers you, from sun to sun, 
Until your earthly race is run, 
And ropes you in, and gets your mon? 

The Agent. 

Who makes you long for desert isle. 
Or mountain height, or Afric's wild, 
Where he no more can you beguile? 

The Agent. 

Who is it raves and pulls your hair. 
And gives you a black eye to wear. 
Should he but find the agent there? 

Your Husband. 

What, then, can keep the pest away, 
And save your hubby's weekly pay, 
And turn your darkness into day? 

The Bulldog. 



LIGHT AFTEK DARKNESS 



The sorrows and the burdens of this life are hard 

to bear; 
We meet with many a conflict, fall into many a 

snare; 
Dark clouds are hanging o'er us, and seas of trouble 

roll, 
And many times despair's dark waves almost o'er- 

whelm the soul. 

Our dearest hopes oft perish, and friends forsake 

us, too; 
We feel there's nothing that will last, and nothing 

that is true, 



Diamonds in the Rough 25 

And that our lives are but a dream — so soon they 

pass away: 
That everything is fleeting, and only for a day. 

Dark waves dash high and higher, as evening 

shadows fall; 
And, though we cry for succor, there's none to heed 

our call; 
To-day we live, to-morrow die — such is the human 

lot, 
And we are born but for the grave, so soon to be 

forgot. 

There's a glimmer in the darkness, a gleam across 

the wave; 
We hear the Master calling, His hand outstretched 

to save: 
^^Come unto me, ye weary, heavy-laden wanderer, 

come! 
Do not try to face the billows and the storms of 

life alone! 

Come, I will be your refuge, an anchor for the soul. 
When sorrow's waves surround you, and seas of 

trouble roll! 
Bring unto me vour burdens, and lav them at my 

feet!" 
So I'll leave with Him the future, and the past so 

incomplete. 

Then, welcome joy or sorrow, and welcome ease or 

pain; 
Welcome all that's in the morrow^ whether loss or 

whether gain; 



26 Diamonds in the Rough 

I shall not fear the tempest, though waves surround 

my soul; 
With Father's hand to guide me, I'll safely reach 

the goal. 

Though dearest friends soon pass away, and many 
prove untrue, 

And we ourselves so soon must die, and pass from 
mortal view, 

There is a bright to-morrow, when loved ones we 
shall greet. 

Where pleasures are eternal, and life shall be com- 
plete. 

And we'll not fear death's valley; we'll enter undis- 
mayed; 

We'll pass through its dark shadows, and need not 
be afraid; 

Its terrors shall not harm us; we're safe from all 
alarms — 

For we know that underneath us are the everlasting 
arms. 



♦> ♦!♦ 



FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY 



(On the occasion of the golden wedding of Mr. and 
Mrs. J. J. Wayt, father and mother of the writer's husband, 
which occurred in the month of December, 1910.) 

MEMOIRS 

Fifty years ago tonight, love. 

You became my bride so fair, 
Spoke the words so sweet and solemn. 

Gave yourself into ray care. 



Diamonds in the Rough 27 

Starting on life's road together, 

Life was all before us then; 
You a bride so sweet and tender, 

I the happiest of men. 

Soon the prattle of our babies 

Came to make our home more bright ; 

But, alas ! those days have vanished, 
And we're all alone tonight. 

One by one they left the fireside; 

For their presence oft we yearn. 
Some have gone to that far country 

Whence no traveler can return. 

Ah! the years that lie behind us 

Never to return again. 
Brought us much of joy and gladness, 

Much of sorrow and of pain. 

You have ever been to me, dear, 
Tenderest sweetheart, truest wife; 

Through the trials and the sorrows 
You have cheered and blessed my life. 

Soon our journey will be ended; 

Soon our ways must part, dear wife ! 
For our steps are swiftly drawing 

Toward the eventide of life. 

Hand in hand we've walked together. 
Cheered each other on the way; 

Hand in hand we'll hope to journey 
In that land of endless day ; 



28 Diamonds in the Rough 

Hand in hand, through streets all golden, 
To the mansions fair and bright ; 

There to part no more forever. 
In that land of pure delight; 

In the land all free from sorrow, 
Where our loved ones cease to roam ; 

There, God grant we be together, 
With the children all at home! 



SHOOT HIM IN THE BACK 



We all agree with Kipling, when he tells us, in his 
tale, 

That the female of the species is more deadly than 
the male; 

And it has been decided that it's strictly up-to-date 

For a wife to kill her husband, when she wants an- 
other mate. 

No doubt you've read the trial of Gertrude Patter- 
son — 

How she killed her sickly husband, with another fel- 
low's gun ; 

And how that Denver jury in her favor did decide. 

Since she had that fatal beauty for which men have 
bled and died. 

Though Chick was weak and wobbly, he did his wife 
attack, 

And for self-preservation, she shot him in the back. 

Up there in Denver City, where tlie women kill the 

men, 
She knew they'd never hang her, nor send her to the 

pen; 



Diamonds in the Rough 29 

They said he was degenerate; when Benson rose to 
tell 

How Chick had loved this "vampire," not wisely, 
but too well. 

Then Gertrude told the jury, as in their eyes she 
gazed, 

That she had a stroke of brain-storm, and was feel- 
ing rather dazed, 

When she went to meet her '^soil-mate," with the gun 
hid in her saque; 

And she couldn't quite remember how that hole got 
in his back. 

The jury said "Not Guilty," the crowd did shout and 
cheer, 

Because she did her duty, and ended his career ; 

For if the poor consumptive wouldn't die and clear 
the track, 

It was her wifely privilege to shoot him in the back. 

Now, when a husband kills his wife (the cruel, heart- 
less wretch!), 

They quickly find him guilty, and soon his neck 
they'll stretch; 

But when they gaze in eyes of brown, they tremble 
and turn pale; 

For the beauty of the female is sure deadly to the 
male. 

So, we can go to Denver, if our husbands are too 

slow; 
Believe me, 'tis the city where the murderess they 

grow. 
If John won't built a bungalOiV, or buy a sealskin 

sacque, 
Let's bike with him to Denver, and shoot liim in the 

back; 



30 Diamonds in the Rough 

And if at first we don't succeed, we'll try, and try 

again ; 
Here's hoping some stray bullet may penetrate his 

frame ! 
And though he beg for mercy, 'twill be of no avail ; 
For the female of the species is more deadly than 

the male. 



«>i« c* 



A KIDDLE 



Little drinks of whiskey, 

Little cigarettes; 
Little cuss words, knocking 

'Gainst the suffragettes; 
Little games of poker 

Played in a saloon, 
Parting with his mone}^, 

And his diamonds, soon; 
Little steins of lager, 

Little hunks of cheese, 
Fill his little stomach. 

While his money flees; 
Little head is aching. 

Little tongue is thick ; 
Waking in the morning. 

Feeling mighty sick ; 
Ugly little monsters. 

Little snakes and things, 
Floating all around him. 

Just like they had wings ; 
Little brain is whirling; 

Beer and cheese come up, 
'Cause he quaffed too freely 

From the flowing cup. 
Little anxious wifie 



Diamo nds in the Rough 31 

Phones for Dr. Trout ; 
Fears appendicitis 

Might be breaking out. 
Dr. looks him over; 

Says he can't quite tell 
Whether it's the 'citis 

Or a bilious spell. 
Soon the snakes skiddoo and 

He ere long will be 
Ready for another 

Jolly little spree. 

Take this little creature; 

Label it, "With Care," 
For perchance it ain't what 

You might think it "air." 
Put some clothes upon it. 

Texture very fine : 
Little peg-top trousers. 

Pressed until they shine, 
Rolled up to its knees, or 

At the least half-way, 
Showing little hose of 

Red or green or gray ; 
Little shirt and s'penders; 

Little four-in-hand; 
Little rubber collar, 

Shines to beat the band ; 
Put a little coat on 

Cut in latest style — 
And 'twill sure look stunning 

(Plus its little smile). 
Then, upon its funny, 

Shinv, little pate, 
Put a little lid that's 

Strictly up-to-date! 



32 Diamonds in the Rough 

Do you like my riddle? 

Guess it if you can — 
'Tis a curious creature, 

Commonly called man. 



SUNSHINE AND RAIN 



I wonder, if we had no cross, 

No burdens hard to bear — 
If we would think, along life's way, 

Our brother's load to share? 
And if we had no losses, 

No sorrow of our own — 
If we would help the needy. 

Or cheer the sad and lone? 
I wonder, should no clouds appear 

To dim the noon-day light — 
Would we appreciate the sun, 

If skies were always bright? 
And should no briers pierce our feet, 

Along the path of life. 
No adverse circumstance arise, 

No care, no pain, no strife — 
Would we our Father learn to trust, 

Appreciate His care? 
Would we be grateful unto Him — 

If life were always fair? 
No! God apportions to each life 

Its share of joy and woe. 
The thorns as well as roses, 

As through this world we go; 
Its share of gains and losses, 

Its pleasure and its pain — 



Diamonds in the Rough 33 

That we may see the beauty 

Of sunshine after rain. 
So, though some days be dreary, 

By grief and pain oppressed, 
We know, in rain or sunshine, 

His way is always best. 



THE GIKL I LOVED IN DENVER 

(A Song) 



1 

The girl I loved in Denver 

Was a pretty little miss : 
Her hand was made for holding, 

Her lips were made to kiss; 
Her form was quite angelic, 

Her face was angel-fair, 
And, brighter than the sunshine 

Her locks of golden hair. 

Chorus — 

Our dream was all too happy, 
Too beautiful to last ; 
The girl I loved in Denver 
Has vanished with the past. 

2 
We gazed on scenes of beauty; 

We breathed the mountain air ; 
She gave to me her promise, 

And life was all too fair ; 
We wandered in the moonlight, 

In that good old summer time ; 
And earth was changed to heaven- 

We'd reached a fairer clime. 
Chorus — 



34 Diamonds in the Rough 

3 

But when I asked her papa, 

The deal was soon called off; 
And at our youthful fancy 

He then began to scoff; 
He said he did not love me, 

Nor want me for a son, 
Because I had no prospects 

Except my brain and brawn. 
Chorus — 



And so he gs:Ye my darling 

Into another's care, 
Who was both old and ugly — 

But he was a millionaire. 
I find that on life's journey 

Things are not what they seem 
There's nothing half so fleeting 

As love's young dream. 
Chorus — 



LINES WRITTEN ON LEAVING AN ONLY 
DAUGHTER'S GRAVE 



A precious girlie once I had 

To cheer my heart and make it glad ; 
But she doth in the churchyard lie — 

Sheds not a tear, breathes not a sigh. 

The lowly mound where she doth rest 
Is treasured deep within my breast; 

Its worth to me can ne'er be told — 
'Tis dearer far than mines of gold. 



Diamonds in the Rough 35 

'Twas there we laid her form away — 
That form so fair, that face of clay ; 

So lovely e'en in death's embrace, 
Though suffering had left its trace. 

How can I leave that spot so dear, 
Alone, with none but strangers near? 

Who'll visit it, with loving care, 

And sometimes scatter flowers there? 



So soundly doth my darling sleep, 
Unmindful, though I sigh and weep; 

She heedeth not the flowers fair, 

Nor loving hands which placed them there. 

Though strangers gaze, with careless eye, 
Upon the spot where she doth lie; 

Though none there are to shed a tear. 
Nor leave a blossom on her bier, 

She knows it not, nor does she care — 

Her dust, alone, is resting there; 
She is not there — she dwells above, 

Where all is peace, and joy, and love. 

And when I leave that sacred mound, 
Which e'er to me is hallowed ground, 

I know that Eva's safe with God — 
Not lying there beneath the sod. 

It matters not where I may be — 

By faith, my darling I can see. 
So happy in the Saviour's care, 

'Midst fadeless flowers blooming there. 



36 Diamonds in the Rough 



MARRIED 



JELLISON— MUCK: At the residence of the bride's 
father, Mr. Muck, May 3, 1883, by Rev. M. M. Stolz. Mr. 
Sumner B. Jellison and Miss Katie Muck, all of Russell 
County, Kansas. 



To-day two hearts are united. 

Two hearts that fondly love; 
The future looks bright before them. 

As bright as the stars above. 

She has given her heart and hand to him, 

To love and to obey; 
He has promised to be, in sickness and health, 

Her all, the light of her day. 

They have plighted their love to each other, 

Have promised to be true; 
As they journey along together, 

May life ever be bright and new! 

May she be to him all he could ask for — 

A kind and loving wife; 
A patient, gentle companion. 

To cheer and bless his life! 

And may he be to his loved one 

A husband kind and true; 
May he lighten her cares and burdens, 

And help her bear them, too! 

When wrinkles are on her forehead, 

And silver in her hair; 
When the bloom has faded from her cheek — 

That cheek that is now so fair. 



Diamonds in the Rough 37 

May he care for her just as fondly, 

May he love her none the less, 
But comfort and cheer her every day 

By a smile or a fond caress ! 

And now, my dear brother and sister, 

A word of advice I would give: 
A life of sweet contentment 

And pleasure you may live; 

Your future will be as you wish it, 

A life of joy and love, 
If such you strive to make it. 

By asking help from above. 

And if sorrow should surround you. 

Then you should strive to cheer 
Each other, by gentle, loving words, 

And make the wav less drear. 



Sumner, your bride is young and fair; 

The love light is in her eye ; 
Your love for her is tender, now ; 

I trust it will never die! 

And, Katie, you're leaving the home of your youth, 

To live with the man of your choice; 
The old home will be lonely without you; 

They'll miss your gentle voice. 

Oh, may you be always happy. 

Cheerful, merry, and gay! 
And may you never have cause to regret 

The step you have taken to-day! 



38 Diamonds in the Rough 

I trust God will smile on your union, 

And add His blessing too; 
And, O, may His blessed spirit 

Be with you, your wliole life through! 

And when cruel death shall sever 

The tender chords of love, 
If you follow^ Jesus closely, 

You may meet at last above. 

Written for the occasion by your sister, 

JENNIE. 



In Memor3^ of Little Verne, Infant Son of Mr. and Mrs. 
S. B. Jellison, Who Died in 1886. 



O Verne! Our darling little one! 

We seem to see you yet! 
Those heavenly eyes of sweetest blue 

We never can forget. 

His baby laugh we no more hear. 
Which made our hearts grow light; 

His merry voice is silent now; 
He's buried from our sight. 

That prattling tongue is hushed and still; 

Those dimpled baby hands 
No more we see; our little one 

Has joined the angel bands. 

The patter of those tiny feet 

Was music to our ear; 
And since our darling's gone from us 

This world seems sad and drear. 



Diamonds in the Rough 39 

No more those little clinging arms 

Around our necks shall twine. 
But we have learned at last to say: 

"Not our will, Lord, but Thine f" 

But home is very lonely now; 

We miss his sunny face; 
The little playthings that he loved 

We find in every place. 

The little dresses that he wore, 

The little empty chair 
Recall a little fairy form. 

With silken, sunny hair. 

We sometimes weep and wonder 

Why our little bird has flown 
And left us, who have loved him so, 

All sorrowful and lone. 



We know we have an all-wise God, 
Who doeth all things well. 

And for some purpose of His own, 
Which none of us can tell. 

He took our treasure from our sight. 
To dwell with Him on high. 

He's happy with the angels now. 
In the land beyond the sky. 

Farewell, dear one, a fond farewell! 

To us you'll ne'er return; 
But we shall greet you by and by, 

Our own, our angel Verne! 



40 Diamonds in the Rough 



TO THE MEMORY OF ANNIE 



(Written, at the age of sixteen, on the death of a girl 
friend.) 

Dearest Annie, thou hast left us, 
Gone from us in heaven to dwell; 

Cruel death has now bereft us 
Of the one we loved so well. 

Annie, thou wert good and hol}^, 
And th}' life was pure, but brief ; 

Bore thy pain with spirit lowly, 
Till death brought thee sweet relief. 

Dearest Annie, we shall miss thee, 
And our hearts with grief are torn. 

Angel hands shall now caress thee ; 
For to them thy soul was borne. 

Annie, darling, how we loved thee! 

Thy memory is sacred now ; 
And so faithful we have proved thee — 

Faithful unto God wert thou. 

Dearest Annie, thou wert ever 

Unto us a blessing rare ; 
But thou'rt gone from us forever — 

Gone, though beautiful and fair. 

Yes, our loved one has been taken ; 

Death has torn her from our breast ; 
But our faith is still unshaken, 

For we know that God knows best. 



Diamonds in the Rough 41 

Though our lives are sad and lonely, 
And our hearts are filled with pain, 

This one thought gives comfort, only. 
That our loss is Annie's gain. 

We shall some day meet in heaven. 

And our coming she'll await; 
For an entrance will be given 

To us at the pearly gate — 

If we follow Jesus ever, 

If we worship naught beside. 
Oh ! God grant that we may never 

Wander from His bleeding side ! 

Darling Annie, we must bid thee 

Now a last, a long good-bye ! 
But we'll meet thee — yes, we'll meet thee 

In the land above the sky ; 

There to part no more forever. 
There to dwell in peace and joy; 

Tears and sorrow come there never, 
And happiness has no alloy. 



TO ROBERT 



Blessings on thee, little man ! 
With your freckles and your tan ; 
Eyes so mischievous and blue; 
Overalls so clean and new; 

With the pockets filled with string, 
Pencils, pistol — everything ; 
A New Testament safely there 
Hid away with tender care: 



42 Diamonds in the Rough 

Teasing for a violin, 
Or a horn, to make a din ; 
A nice "autobile" you'd like, 
Or a bran-new motor ^^bike;" 

Trudging on from day to day. 
In your happy, boyish way ; 
Hands so busy, and so brown — 
Cutest kid what is in town ; 

Trying always to be good — 
Mascot of the neighborhood ; 
Asking questions by the yard — 
Sure, they're hard to answer, "Pard !" 

Coaxing for an apple red. 
Or a piece of sugar bread ; 
Oranges are dear to you ; 
Also graham crackers, too. 

Candy has a welcome place 
In your hungry little face ; 
Gum is awful good to chew ; 
Cookies, too, of chocolate hue. 

How I wonder, day by day. 
Where you stow the stuff away ; 
Are you rubber, Kobert C, 
Where your stomach ought to be? 

Had a gun, once, new and good — 
Uncle made it out of wood ; 
And it sure did shoot to kill, 
Huntin' things, upon the hill. 



Diamonds in the Rough 43 

Had a: sweetheart, too, one day; 
And that sweetheart's name was Fay ; 
Loved her then, with all your heart ; 
But from her you had to part ; 

For she had a husband dear, 
Causing you full many a tear ; 
When she went away from you, 
Life seemed empty, hearts untrue ; 

Thought you ne'er could love again ; 
Life was full of bitter pain; 
She's seen twenty years, or more, 
While you have not yet seen four. 

Time will heal the wound so sore; 
Hearts don't break, when only four; 
You may love again, some time. 
When you reach your manhood's prime. 

You have left one friend, my dear. 
That will ever linger near; 
"Sport" will never prove untrue. 
But would give his life for you. 

Blessings on thee, blessings rare ! 
May your life be free from care ! 
Pleased to know, when you're a man, 
Ml*. Robert' Callahan. 



44 Diamonds in the Rough 

THE GIRL OF 1911 



(The following lines were written in answer to the 
article, "Can You Beat It?)" 

Backward, turn backward, O time, in your flight ! 

Make me a child again, just for to-night! 

Mother, come back to your daughter once morel 

Tell us about the fashions of yore ! 

Some have grown weary of maids who are slim, 

With the short skirt, and figure so trim; 

Tired of the hobble, the puff, and the rat; 

Tired of the peach-basket sort of a hat; 

And they are longing for styles that are gone — 

Bring an old fashion plate, mother, along! 

Back to the days of the cute pantalette 

Take us, dear mother, lest we should forget ! 

Show us the hoop-skirt the maidens did wear, 

And scarce could sit down in a big Morris chair; 

Also the train that later they wore. 

And svy-ept up the dirt, and microbes galore. 

Show us the bang, and the pokebonnet hat — 

Give us the peach basket, give us the rat! 

We have the girl with her figure her own. 

And fashioned divinely by nature alone ; 

Sweeter by far than the one you had then, 

With a hump on her back, called the "Grecian Bend." 

Give us the maiden so slim and so neat. 

With dainty short skirts, that show pretty feet. 

There are numerous things, we must confess, 

That might be improved, in the way of dress; 

But follow the fashions we must, of course. 

Whatever the change, be it better or worse; 

And, compared with the styles of long ago, 

We think that quite an improvement they show ; 

Then, away with the fashions of '57, 

And give us the girlies of 1911 ! 



Diamonds in the Rough 45 

LEAD HOME THY CHILD 



The night is dark, my Father! 

I see no ray of light; 
No starlight's faintest glimmer. 

Nor moonbeam, greets my sight. 

The path is steep, my Father! 

Thorns pierce my bleeding feet; 
I know not, in the darkness, 

What terrors I may meet. 

The way is long and lonely; 

My strength is well-nigh spent ; 
Storm-clouds are black and threat'ning- 

With lightning they are rent. 

The storm breaks in its fury 

On my defenseless head; 
Oh, take my hand, dear Father ! 

I know not where I tread. 

Alone I grope and stumble; 

I cannot see my way; 
Then lead me, Heavenly Father, 

Lest from the path I stray! 

With thee to guide, my Father, 

No danger shall I fear; 
E'en though I walk in darkness, 

I'm safe when Thou art near. 

I'll go with Thee, my Father, 

By faith, if not by sight ; 
I'd rather walk in the dark with thee 

Than go alone in the light. 



46 Diamonds in the Rough 

Then hold my hand, my Father, 
When night is dark and wild; 

And, though I grope and stumble, 
Lead safely home Thy child I 



NINETEEN HUNDRED TWELVE 



Come, all ye blushing maidens. 

And list unto my lay — 
No matter if your teeth are false. 

And your tresses streaked with gray ! 
Come, all ye sad-eyed widows; 

Leave sorrow buried deep ; 
Don your best bib and tucker — 

'Tis time you ceased to weep ! 
Come, all ye gay young widows. 

Who can't keep off the grass — 
There still is hope, dear sisters. 

Though long deferi^d, alas! 

We know the men of Walsen 

Are timid little things; 
But you can bet your Sunday hat 

They're angels — minus wings; 
And all the dear old bachelors 

And widowers, I ween, 
Are longing for a happy home, 

And sigh : "It might have been !" 
But they are all too bashful; 

They haven't got the sand 
To up and pop the question, 

And ask vou for vour hand. 



Diamonds in the Rough 47 

But, courage, maids and widows! 

Revenge is j^ours to-day; 
For woman's coming to the front, 

And she is there to stay. 
If you are not faint-hearted 

A man you each may find ; 
For this is nineteen hundred twelve, 

And leap-year — do you mind? 
So, if you have one spotted. 

Go after him and — well, 
Perhaps he'll say, "How sudden !" 

When you your love shall tell. 

But do not be discouraged, 

Should he blush and tremble some; 
Although he's young and innocent, 

He soon to time will come. 
Then measure up his finger, 

And say that you will bring. 
As soon as you have got the price, 

A lovely diamond ring; 
That will most likely fetch him — 

Especially when you say 
That you will get the license. 

And for it you will pay. 

But if he doesn't whisper "Yes," 

And spurns your love, alack ! 
Go borrow a revolver. 

And follow on his track! 
Just tell him there are others. 

With beauty unadorned. 
And let him know the fury 

Of a loving woman scorned ; 



48 Diamonds in the Rough 

And soon you'll take your soul-mate 

To the hymeneal altar, 
E'en though you have to use a gun, 

Or lead him with a halter I 

And when the preacher asks him 

Will he honor and obey, 
Still thinking of that awful gun. 

He'll bravely answer ''Yea;" 
And with the ring you him will wed, 

While sweat adorns his brow; 
You'll say : "With all my worldly goods, 

Dear John, I thee endow!" 
And you will land a husband, 

Though he may flinch and quail — 
For the female of the species 

Has more courage than the male. 

You of the male persuasion, 

I warn you, have a care! 
Go, hike for the tall timber! 

Go, hide you in your lair! 
Lo, even to your hiding-place 

The wily huntress stalks! 
She'd find you in a dungeon — 

Love laughs at bars and locks. 
So you had best surrender; 

Your doom is sealed, my lad — 
For the female of the species 

Wants a man, and wants him bad ! 



Diamonds in the Rough 49 



IN MEMORIAM 



Gone from earth's suffering and sorrow, 
Gone from its darkness and night ; 

Into that beautiful city 

Where all is gladness and light. 

Spared from life's burdens and crosses; 

Free from temptation and sin; 
Spared all the pain and the losses, 

Where his pure soul entered in. 

Jesus will tenderly carry 

Your lamb in His loving arms ; 

Safe and secure, he is sheltered. 
Free from earth's fear and alarms. 

Comfort the hearts that are bleeding, 

Heavenly Father, we pray ! 
Help them to feel that Thou carest, 

And wilt be with them alway! 

May they lean harder on Jesus, 
Saying "amen" to Thy will, 

And, in the furnace of sorrow, 
Just to submit, and be still ! 

Only a few years, so fleeting, 

Until we shall meet over there — 

Meet never more to be parted, 
Glories immortal to share. 

Sweet baby hands now are beck'ning; 

Father and mother, be true: 
Alvah is just over yonder, 

Watching and waiting for you ! 



50 Diamonds in the Rough 



THE WORLD 



"The World's" a very liberal sheet — 

It tells us of our bounty ; 
It boosts the town, it boosts the state, 

It boosts for Huerfano County ; 
And, as we scan its pages o'er, 

We think just like we uster : 
''The World" had ought to change its name. 

And call itself "The Booster." 



'THE INDEPENDENT' 



"The Independent's" weekly page. 

It knocks each son and daughter ; 
There's not a mother's son in town 

Who does just like he orter. 
And, as we read it o'er and o'er, 

A-sitting in our rocker, 
We feel it, in our inmost heart, 

Its name should be "The Knocker.' 



FATHER'S CHRISTMAS SHOPPING 



I have did my Christmas shopping — 

Did it early, too, this year; 
And my gifts haA^e all been purchased 

For my friends and family dear; 
But my poor old brain is whirling, 

And my shirt is wet as sop; 
For I sure sweat like the mischief. 

And my forehead still I mop. 



Diamonds in the Rough 51 

Long I- ve lain awake till midnight, 

Wondering what they needed most; 
And I pondered on the subject 

Till I near gave up the ghost; 
But at last I got it settled, 

And I bought them, everyone, 
Something beautiful and useful, 

From a rattle to a gun. 

But when your kids are numerous, 

Your I I don't last long; 
And when you've friends and relatives 

An hundred thousand strong, 
Who send you Christmas greetings, 

Expecting gifts, each year — 
Your heart is filled with melody. 

Your thoughts w ith Christmas cheer ; 
For I have in the Bible read 

(And its precepts I believe) 
That it is e'er more blessed 

To give than to receive. 

Ere I see the Yuletide season 

Of another fleeting year, 
I've a feeling that my loved ones 

O'er my grave will shed a tear; 
And I've informed the partner 

Of my sorrows all through life 
(In other words, you understand, 

This person is my wife) 
That when she gives a gentle hint 

That Christmas joys are near. 
She'll see a-down my furrowed cheek 

Flow many a scalding tear ; 



52 Diamonds in the Rough 

And though I love her dearly, 

I can no longer stay; 
For I've resolved to never 

See another Christmas day. 

So she will be quite reconciled 

When she finds me, cold and dead. 
My body in the barnyard, 

Or underneath the bed; 
I've told her not to weep for me, 

And mourn, and dress in black — 
But I shall get a pistol 

And shoot me in the back; 
Because I feel a longing 

For the happy Golden Shore, 
Where cares of earth are over, 

And they Christmas shop no more. 

Don't place a tender epitaph 

Above me, when I'm dead. 
But on an humble little stone 

Engrave these words, instead: 
^'Let others Christmas joys pursue; 

They have no charms for me; 
Once I endured those pleasures, too, 

But death hath set me free." 



MOTHER'S CHRISTMAS SHOPPING 



Do your Christmas shopping early! 

Do it early, mother dear! 
For soon will come the busiest. 

Merriest time of all the year. 
There are little ones to buy for: 

Get for Willie dear a drum, 



Diamonds in the Rough 53 

A bike, and traction engine, 

And a top to spin and hum. 
Then for little Baby Nellie 

Get a whole cartload of things — 
A Teddy Bear, a go-cart. 

And a doll that talks and sings. 
For Tom, who's off at college. 

You must buy a muffler fine, 
Some ties and lovely kerchiefs, 

And a diamond that wall shine. 
Get a pony coat for daughter. 

And some furs, if not too high, 
And a hundred other trinkets, 

For you'll lose her bye and bye. 
Then for dear old dad and mother, 

Sister, brother, nephew, niece. 
Uncles, aunts, and all their children, 

You must buy a gift apiece. 
And the friends who gave you presents 

Christmas Day a year ago, 
They must each be well remembered 

With a lovely gift, you know. 
But, when looking o'er your treasures. 

It will then become quite clear 
That, with all the gifts you purchased, 

You forgot your hubby dear; 
And the money that he gave you 

(It was just a little m.ite), 
It has fled — your purse is empty. 

With no gift for him in sight. 
But don't worry, mother dearest, 

Though no gift lie on the shelf! 
He retained a few bright pennies — 

Let him purchase it himself! 



54 Diamonds in the Rough 

GUIDE US, O THOU STAR OF HEAVEN! 



Guide us, O thou Star of Heaven I 

Guide us in the righteous way! 
We are children, and we need Thee, 

Need Thy guidance day by day. 
As the star that led the wise men 

'Till they found the Saviour, then, 
Jesus lights our way before us — 

He's the Star of Bethlehem. 

Jesus loved the little children, 

And invited them to come; 
In His arms of love He took them. 

While He blessed them, one by one. 
And, though here on earth no longer, 

He is still our Guiding Star 
Leading us in paths of duty 

To that Heavenly Home afar. 

May that Star of brightest splendor 
Make our earthly pathway bright, 
■Till we reach that fairer country 

Where no darkness dims our sight! 
Then in Heaven, on Christmas morning, 

We will with the angels sing, 
"Gdory, glory in the highest," 
To our Saviour and our King. 
*> <» *> 

AN ACROSTIC 



'Glory, glory in the highest!" 
Long ago the angels sang; 
O'er the hills of fair Judea 
Rapturous songs and praises rang. 
Yonder star foretold the advent 



Diamonds in the Rough ^^ 

To the world, cursed with sin's blight, 
Of the babe, born in a manger — 

God's own Son was born that night. 
Over all there shone a radiance; 
Down the ages still doth shine; 

In the Word the light is shining; 
Never shall its rays decline. 

To the world Christ came, to suffer; 
He His precious life did give 
E'en for man, so weak and sinful; 

He hath died that we might live. 
In our hearts these words are ringing: 
"Glory, glory to His name!" 
He in Heaven is interceding, 
Ever bears our guilt and shame. 
Songs and praises we'll be singing; 
There, in Heaven, the harps are ringing. 

"Peace on earth!" the bells are chiming, 
East and west, or far, or near; 
And they fill the air with music — 
Carols beautiful to hear, 
Each glad Christmas of the year. 

O'er our hearts this Yuletide season. 
Nearer, sweeter, than before. 

E'en a radiance now is shining, 
As from out that distant Shore. 
Righteousness shall be our passport 
To the land of endless bliss; 
Heaven on earth is its beginning. 



Diamonds in the Rough 



Gladness reigns supreme in this. 
Oh. the joY of Christian living! 
Oh, the peace that dwells within! 
Death and Hell He came to conquer — 

Why will men go on in sin? 

In our hearts Christ has His dwelling: 

Long ago men saw His face; 

Left them for His Father's mansions. 

To prepare for us a place. 
Oh. that home, where friends await us. 
Where our Saviour's face we'll see! 
And we'll be with them forever: 
Rapturous will the meeting be. 
Dawn is breaking, sister, brother! 

Man shall hear the Victor's song; 
Even as He once ascended, 
Xow He'll come again, ere long. 



THE CHRISTIANAS HOPE 



Vre laid her to rest in the spnngtime. 
When the birds were returning again 

And caroling sweet songs of gladness, 
Unmindful of sorrow and pain. 

Sweet flowers could be seen on the hillside. 

And verdure on mountain and plain ; 
But winter still reigned in our sad hearts; 

Flowers bloomed, and sweet birds sang, in vain, 



Diamonds in the Rough 57 

We laid her away in her beauty, 

Our darling, so young and so fair; 
So like a frail, beautiful flower, 

She faded and went from our care. 

The flower we had tended and cherished. 

And tenderly cared for. each day ; 
Each day growing fairer and dearer — 

As slowly she faded away. 

Too frail for the cold blasts of winter ; 

Too fair, and too pure for our sight — 
Transplanted in God's heavenly garden. 

Where no chilling winds ever blight. 

God gave us our sweet, gentle girlie. 

To cheer us a few happy years ; 
But pleasures of earth are so fleeting — 

Life's changes bring heart-ache and tears. 

We've given her back to our Father, 

So pure, so unsullied and fair; 
He'll cherish our frail, tender flower ; 

She'll blossom and thrive in His care. 

Her spirit shall dwell with the angels; 

Her body shall lie in the tomb. 
Until, some bright, glorious morning. 

She'll arise from its silence and gloom. 

Once more our glad eyes shall behold her. 

More lovely and fair than of yore; 
When the saints shall arise in His likeness, 

To shine as the stars, evermore. 



58 Diamonds in the Rough 

(Written as an advertisement for my husband, who 
was formerly in the lumber business, and built houses on 
the installment plan.) 



Ere 3^ou get your birdie, 
Let me build 3'our nest 

Out of brick or lumber 
Of the very best. 



Then, when you have mated, 
You can bill and coo 

In your little dovecote. 
Just big enough for two. 

But if you already 

Have a little wife. 
You can stop expenses 

And get a start in life. 

Life is real, earnest, 
If you've rent to pay ; 

Build and save your money 
For a rainy day. 

Get of me your lumber. 
Let me build your home; 

And before you know it, 
'Twill be all your own. 



Diamonds in the Rough 59 

(Lines accompanying a gift to a friend on her fifty- 
first birthday.) 

Here's to our friend, so blithe and gay, 
Who's fifty-one years young to-day : 
Oh, may each year, as it shall come, 
Bring less of clouds, and more of sun I 
May you live long, your friends to bless, 
And may your shadow ne'er grow less ! 
Will you this silver spoon accept 
As a small token of respect? 
And, as life's journey you pursue, 
May memory recall to view 
The friends who've gathered here to-day 
To wish you happiness alway ! 
And, as this spoon we give to you, 
Our love and fealty we renew; 
Though time may tarnish silver and gold, 
Love shall not tarnish, nor grow old. 
Here's hoping that your life, dear friend, 
' Remain untarnished till its end ! 



(Lines accompanying a pin-ciishion presented on the 
same occasion.) 

This little cushion to you I give — 
I've stuffed it full of cotton; 

And may you live to use it, dear, 
Till it is old and rotten ! 



60 Diamonds in the Rough 



SINCE FIRMIE'S GONE 



It is to us a dreary home 
Since Firmie's gone away ; 

We feel so sorrowful and lone 
Through the long summer day. 

Oh, how we miss his cheery voice, 
That did with joy ring out ! 

And oh, how gladly we'd rejoice 
To hear his merrv shout ! 



We hear no more his step so light, 

His song so glad and free; 
For o'er our lives has come a blight ; 

His face no more we see. 

With smiles his face was always bright; 

He was the light of home; 
And oh, he was a merry sprite ! 

His eyes with mischief shone. 

He was a bud of promise fair. 
Which cheered us for a time; 

But now he blooms in purer air. 
And we are left to pine. 

Sometimes in dreams his form appears. 
To bless the midnight gloom, 

And by a hundred ties, endears 
That form within the tomb. 



Diamon ds in the Rough 61 

Oh, how we miss him every hour, 
At morning, noon, and night! 

But God, in His almighty power, 
He doeth all things right. 

Ah, 3^es, we'll ever trust in God, 

Whatever trials come; 
For we have learned to kiss the rod 

And say: "Thy will be done!" 

Although to us he cannot come. 
We'll some day meet him there, 

In that bright and eternal home, 
So free from pain and care; 

No more to part from those we love ; 

No more to weep and mourn ; 
Our hearts, in that fair home above. 

With grief shall ne'er be torn. 

(Written at the age of fifteen.) 



LOVE ME NOW. 



Don't keep your flowers for my grave, 
Nor all your loving tributes save 
'Till I am gone where I'll not ken 
The tender words you utter then. 
A helping hand, a friendly smile — 
God knows their worth to me, the while 
I battle with the storms of life, 
Oppressed by sorrow, pain, and strife; 



62 Diamonds in the Rough 

And, though my faults be mountain-high, 
Forget them now, before 1 die. 
And love me, love me, here and now, 
Before the death-damp chills my brow ! 

What shall I care, when I'm at rest. 
Though kisses on my cheek are pressed? 
My hands from toil will then be free; 
My heart shall know no misery; 
The burdens I have had to bear 
Be laid aside with grief and care ; 
The cruel taunt, the unkind word. 
By my deaf ears will not be heard. 
So give your kisses to me now. 
Upon my lips, or cheek, or brow! 
The burdens heavy you may share. 
And ril appreciate your care. 

Oh, don't delay, until too late 
Your blessings to appreciate ! 
Caress your dear, long-suffering wife. 
Who's been so faithful all through life ! 
Could you but read her inmost heart. 
You'd see it pierced by many a dart ; 
'Tis hungry for one tender glance. 
Which would her meager joys enhance. 
Go, smooth away the lines of care; 
Say that, to you, she still is fair ; 
For some sad day to heaven she'll go — 
So, if you love her, tell her so! 



Diamonds in the Rough 63 



TRAMP, TRAMP, TRAMP, THE BOYS ARE 
MARCHING 



Spring election is at hand, 

And we all should take our stand — 
Christian soldiers, gather quickly for the fray ! 

Then unfurl the glorious flag — 

Do not let your colors drag! 
Help the cause of right, by voting as you pray ! 

Chorus — 

Tramp, tramp, tramp, the boys are marching! 

Cheer up, comrades, and be gay ! 
For our cause is just and right, 
And we're bound to win the fight, 

And we'll gain a glorious victory to-day! 

Long we've felt the tyrant hand 

Of this whiskey-selling band; 
Now our freedom, and our liberty, we crave ! 

Come and follow where we lead, 

And we'll smite the hand of greed — 
But we need some gallant soldiers, strong and brave! 

Chorus — 

Tramp, tramp, tramp, the boys are marching! 

Cheer up, comrades, and be gay! 
For our cause is just and right, 
And we're bound to win the fight. 

And we'll gain a glorious victory to-day! 



64 Diamonds in the Rough 

Hasten, Christians, to our aid ! 

Palter not, nor be afraid! 
Though few in numbers, yet our cause is right ! 

You have all the promise heard — 

It is written in the word : 
'•Two with Him can put ten thousand foes to flight !" 

CJiorus — 

Tramp, tramp, tramp, our God is marching! 
Cheer up, Christians, and be glad! 

If you labor as you pray, 

God will speed the happy day. 
And the victory o'er evil shall be had ! 

Then, comrades one and all. 

Hasten to the bugle call ! 
Do your duty, as you'll wish you had some day ! 

Now our faith is growing strong. 

As we labor 'gainst the wrong! 
God will bless us, while we're voting as we pray ! 

Chorus — 

Tramp, tramp, tramp, the boys are marching ! 

Cheer up, comrades, and be gay ! 
For our cause is just and right. 
And we're bound to win the fight. 

And we'll gain a glorious victory to-day! 



Diamonds in the Rough 65 



LIFE 



O life, are you worth the struggle 

Of jiving here below ? 
There's less of joy than sadness, 
And more of woe than gladness, 

As through the world we go. 

Our dearest idols perish; 

We sigh and shed a tear; 
Our fondest hopes are fleetest, 
Our vanished joys seem sweetest, 

And roses die with the year. 

So on we go, not knowing, 

But can our Father trust 
With all the cares and crosses, 
The heart-aches and the losses — 

He knoweth we are dust. 

And, though we grope and stumble 

Along our darksome way, 
We've Father's wing to hide us. 
And Father's hand to guide us 

To realms of endless day. 

Yes, life, you're worth the struggle. 

Though filled with tears and sighs; 
For there's a bright to-morrow. 
All free from pain and sorrow, 
And mansions in the skies. 



66 Diamonds in the Rough 

THE WEATHER MAN 



The weather man, he sure ^ets his, 
A-t'ending to the weather biz ; 
He has a snap, and lots of fun, 
Trying to please each mother's son. 

One thinks the weather hard to beat; 
Another's dying with the heat; 
While one wants moisture for his crop. 
His neighbor will detest the slop. 

When August days are hot and dry, 
They'll pine for icebergs, mountain-high; 
But if they had the bergs, no doubt 
They'd order heat, to thaw them out. 

And when it rains, for days and weeks, 
Hiding the sun and mountain peaks, 
A message comes, with this desire : 
"Say, give us some weather slightly drier!" 

And when he gives them what they ask. 
And in their smile he hopes to bask, 
Soon on his ear these words will burst : 
"D^you want to kill us off with thirst?" 

Now, when there comes a gentle breeze, 
A-sighing through the leafless trees. 
Which lifts your lid from off your pate, 
And fills your eyes with real estate, 

You should not knock, and rave, and swear 
And at your wife and kiddies glare. 
But be as patient as you can 
Until you meet the Weather Man. 



Diamonds in the Rough 67 



WHEN THE CAT'S AWAY 



"When the cat's away, the mice will play," 

Is a saying trite and old; 
And when she's gone a week and a day, 

The mice become quite bold. 

Once on a time a Tabby cat 

Of home, she grew a-weary ; 
So she packed her grip, and put on her hat. 

And said good-bye to her dearie. 

Then gay Mr. Mouse did thus decide: 

"My path is clear, I see; 
So I'll bid adieu to my own fireside; 

And, hurrah, for a time!" said he. 

"Some day I'll wander back again 

Unto my home, sweet home; 
But while Tabby shall abroad remain, 

Elysian fields I'll roam." 

So the belles of society he sees 
(They promise to keep it quiet) ; 

And remnants of cake, mince pie, and cheese 
Are his customary diet. 

He wanders on, far, far from home. 

From duty's pathway straying; 
While Mrs. Cat doth also roam. 

The wander lust obeying. 



68 Diamonds in the Rough 

The cat, one da}', came stealthily back, 

And, before he had time to sneeze. 
She smelled a mouse, and followed his track 

Till she did that culprit seize. 

80, Mr. Mouse, be you young or old, 

Though the cat has gone away. 
Be cautious, and do not get too bold, 

For she's not gone to stay ! 

And, just when you're having the time of your life, 

Forgetting that you are dust. 
Forgetting home, and children, and wife, 

Mrs. Cat will on you bust. 

Then she will fondle you with her jaws, 

And take your breath away. 
Caressing you with her velvet paws 

Until you'll weep and pray: 

"Please, dear Mrs. Cat, if you'll open your jaws 

And release that grip so hard, 
I'll go back home where I used to was, 

And play in my own back yard !" 

Then, poor little Mousie, though nearly dead, 
And trembling with fright and pain. 

You'll hike back home to your board and bed — 
'Till the cat goes away again. 



Diamonds in the Rough 69 



(This was written, in 1893, as an advertisement for 
my husband, who was in the furniture business at that 
time.) 

Hurrah ! for the home of the brave and the true ! 

For fair Colorado, and FREE SILVER, too ! 

The time IS soon COMING, soon we'll hail the glad 

day, 
When trouble AND hard times will vanish away. 
The FAT of the land shall be ours to enjoy; 
No panic shall worry, no dull TIMES annoy. 
But now, even now, is the time to be glad! 
Begone ! every care that can make the heart sad ; 
FOR elegant furniture now sells so low, 
No excuse have the poorest without it to go. 
The WALSENBURG Furniture Store is still here. 
There you'll find the best goods, should you look far 

and near; 
AND their prices are always so startlingly low 
That ALL can afford a fine bedstead or so ; 
A nice willow rocker, a mattress and springs, 
And a great many other adorable things. 
Go to Wayt's with your cash, and you'll always find 
That everything there is just to your mind. 
OUR goods are first-class and at your own price ; 
No longer delay, but buy something nice 
For your parlor, and bedroom, and dining-room, too ; 
And you'll never regret what we urge you to do. 
The GLORIOUS time has now come to invest 
In the very best furniture sold in the WEST. 



70 Diamonds in the Rough 

WALSENBURG 



Same old town, and same old name ; 
Same old gambler, same old game ; 
Same old dens of vice and sin, 
Luring sons and husbands in ; 
Same old whiskey, same old jag; 
Same old mayor, same old gag; 
Same old lodges, same old goat ; 
Same old beer and whiskey bloat; 
Same old moving-picture show : 
Two there were — one had to go ; 
Same old roads — say, they're the limit ! 
Get a biplane, and fly in it ! 

Father sets the same old pace ; 
Son soon follows in the race ; 
Mother votes for all these things — 
Goes to church, and prays, and sings. 
Same old gang still runs the biz ; 
O'er the state its fame has riz. 
If you want your cares to end. 
Come to Walsenburg, my friend ; 
Then the gangster you must boost; 
For, you see, he rules the roost; 
If you go the other track, 
He will shoot you in the back ! 



MY FATHER PLANNED IT ALL 



Some people are always repining 
That the rose a thorn must grow; 

But I am very grateful 
That the thorn has a rose, you know. 



71 
Diamonds in the Rough 

Some people fret and grumble 
That winter winds must blow; 

But I am glad and thankful 

For the crocus under the snow; 



That on some sunny morning 
She'll raise her dainty head; 

Lifting her waxen petals 
Above her snowy bed. 

Though some may see no beauty 
In the chrysalis, queer and brown, 

Methinks I now can see it 
When fairer it has grown; 

When v/ings to it are given, 
All golden, or red, or white, 

As away in the glorious sunshine 
The butterfly takes its flight. 

Is not the grave like the cocoon? 

It holds us not for aye; 
And, like the butterfly, we'll rise 

From prison house some day. 

A form divine shall then be given; 

We'll soar to realms above; 
And in His likeness shall appear 

Changed by our Father's love. 



72 Diamonds in the Rough 

(On the occasion of a farewell party given to Rev. I. A. 
Smith, and wife, who was pastor of the M. E. Church 
South, at Walsenburg, Colorado, for four years. These 
verses were read as a presentation poem accompanying a 
present given by the members of the church.) 

Please accept this loving token ; 

And, though small the gift may be, 
May it in a partial measure 

Represent our love for thee ! 

You have spoken words of comfort 

In the hour of grief and pain; 
Have performed your duty boldly, 

Though it seemed almost in vain. 

You have labored ^ate and early, 

Toiling not for fame or gold; 
May the seed you have here planted 

Be increased an hundred fold! 



May the Master of the vineyard, 
When the harvest-time shall come, 

Say: "Well done, thou faithful servant I 
Here are souls that thou hast won." 

Though new^ fields now lie before you, 
And new labors you will find, 

May you sometimes think with kindness 
Of the friends you leave behind ! 

Farewell words must soon be spoken. 
And, though parting cause us pain, 

We will bow in sweet submission. 
Since our loss is Denver's gain. 



Diamonds in the Rough 73 

m MEMORIAM 



(In loving remembrance of Eva, beloved daughter of 
Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Wayt, who departed this life March 
14, 1909. Gone, but not forgotten.) 

Forgotten? No; and ne'er shall be; 
\Vliile life remains, I'll think of thee. 
Your memory lingers in my heart, 
Of waking hours, and dreams, a part. 

How dark the days, the years how long. 
Since last we heard your laugh and song! 
Life is so drear; no joy, no light, 
Since your sweet spirit took its flight. 

Only one girlie to us was given ; 
So soon she went to her home in heaven. 
Leaving the earth home silent and sad, 
With no girlish laughter and song so glad. 

Ever the things most fair and bright 
Are first to vanish from our sight ; 
So are the loved ones, dearest and best, 
The first to enter eternal rest ; 

Leaving the hearts of those who mourn. 
Crushed and bleeding, with sorrow torn. 
Faith seems to falter, and hope hos fled ; 
Life's .sweetest blossoms lie withered and dead. 

This thought alone can ease the pain : 
"Our loss is her eternal gain, 
And through the never-ending years 
She's free from sorrow, pain, and tears." 



74 Diamonds in the Rough 

Then, help us, dear Father, submissive to be, 
And in affliction Thy goodness to see; 
In darkest hours, by grief oppressed, 
Just ,to feel sure Thy way is best ! 

And when this life shall end, I know 
We'll meet the loved of long ago; 
And there w^e'll hold communion sweet 
Together, at the Saviour's feet. 

Safe sheltered there from every blast. 
The storms of life forever past. 
We'll roam the fields of Eden fair. 
By crystal waters flowing there. 

How sweet 'twill be v/hen we all get home, 
Never to sorrow more, never to roam ! 
Parting shall be no more for aye, 
In the land that is fairer than day ! 



LOVELY WOMAN 



Little specks of powder, 

Little drops of paint, 
Make a w^oman's wrinkles 

Look as if they ain't. 
Little wavy switches. 

Coils, and puffs, O Gee! 
Make a woman's tresses 

Look as if they be. 



Diamonds in the Rough 75 

Little pearly toothies, 

Smiling out at you — 
Don't they, really, truly, 

Look like they had grew? 
Little rolls of cotton, 

Distributed with care, 
Make a woman's "figger" 

Look divinely fair. 
Little drops of water 

Can wash the paint away; 
But them blooming wrinkles — 

They are there to stay! 
And when she retires. 

Goodness, what a sight! 
Parts of lovely woman 

Thrown to left and right : 
Puffs, and rats, and biscuits, 

Switches one or two; 
Wads and wads of cotton, 

Half concealed from view; 
And those pearly toothies, 

With the other junk, 
Lying quite conveniently 

On dresser, chair, or trunk! 
All this dire confusion. 

Scattered everywhere, 
Can't make lovely woman 

What you think she "air;" 
For without these fixtures. 

Goodness, gracious me! 
Nothing of importance 

Is left of her, you see ! 



76 Diamonds in the Rough 



COLOKADO, FAREWELL! 



Farewell, my Colorado home! 

Afar from thee I soon must roam; 

Must leave the mountains high and grand, 

And journey to a distant land. 

The valleys fair; the canons deep; 
Soft mountain air that lulls to sleep; 
Those mighty peaks, so wondrous, grand. 
Bespeak a sculptor's skillful hand. 

The lovely tones of light and shade, 
Ever shifting o'er hill and glade; 
Health-giving climate; water pure; 
Perpetual sunshine; riches sure, 

In mines of copper, silver, gold; 
Vast coal fields, yielding wealth untold; 
Rich farms, producing crops so fine 
Of hay and grain, and fruit and vine : 

Long we've enjoyed these scenes so grand, 
And sang their praise to beat the band. 
Oh, must I seek a distant shore? 
And shall I never see them more? 

We've lived here more than two score years — 
Years that have brought both hopes and fears 
And as we toiled from day to day. 
Dame Fortune smiled and came our wav. 



Diamonds in the Rough 77 

We pulled together up the hill, 
And plodded on with right good will. 
Now, toil and poverty have fled, 
And ease and plenty reign, instead. 

But we have had our ups and downs. 
Have had our share of knocks and frowns; 
Fair-weather friends, of transient stay, 
Who fled when trouble came our way. 

But whether Fortune frown or smile. 
And though I wander many a mile, 
Methinks, at thought of home so dear, 
Shall fall the retrospective tear. 

Perchance in dreams I'll sometimes go 
To where the columbine doth grow, 
On mountain side, or shady nook. 
By peaceful stream, or noisy brook. 

And where so e'er my lot be cast. 
In all the universe so vast. 
Among the treasures of my heart 
Shall Colorado have a part. 



TO A SON ON HIS NINETEENTH BIRTHDAY 



Nineteen years have passed away 
Since a well-remembered day. 
When, with heart so full of joy, 
I first kissed my baby boy. 



78 Diamonds in the Rough 

Now 5 ou've grown to be quite tall, 
Wandering far from mother's call; 
But remember this, my boy, 
You are still her pride and joy! 



As you travel on in life, 

Through this weary world of strife 

In the battles that you fight, 

Shun the wrong and do the right. 



AN ACROSTIC 



(Written to a girl friend years ago, after the death 
of my infant son.) 

Dear Ella, my heart is lonely and sad; 

Each day brings it's sorrow and grief; 

And night bringeth nothing to cheer or make glad, 

Removed are earth's pleasures so brief. 

Each promising bud has been torn from my sight. 
Left only is mem'ry's bright ray; 
Laid away in the gloom and the darkness of night 
Are the treasures I fancied might stay. 



SONG OF THE PRESIDENTS 



(This song, up to the nineteenth, was sung in school 
when the writer was a child; and I have added the others. 
Suitable for Washington's Birthday exercises.) 

George Washington was number one; 
Senior Adams next came on ; 
Jefferson makes the number three, 
And Madison, the fourth was he; 



Diamonds in the Rough 79 

Monroe, the fifth, just then came in; 

Sixth, and Adams came again ; 

Seventh, Andrew Jackson came. 

And eighth we call Van Buren's name ; 

Harrison makes the number nine; 

Tenth, John Tyler in the line; 

Polk was the eleventh, as you know. 

And twelfth was Taylor in the row ; 

Filmore thirteenth took his place; 

Pierce was the fourteenth in the race ; 

Fifteenth, James Buchanan's name. 

And sixteenth, Abram Lincoln came; 

Johnson, the seventeenth in the line; 

Grant was the eighteenth, came in time; 

Hayes came nineteenth, as you know, 

And Garfield the twentieth in the row; 

Assassin's bullet laid him low. 

When Arthur took his place, you know; 

Twenty-second Cleveland came, 

And next Ben Harrison, known to fame; 

Cleveland once more took the seat. 

The Republicans to defeat; 

Then McKinley served us well. 

Until he, too, a martyr fell ; 

Roosevelt took the empty chair, 

Loved and honored everywhere; 

Big Bill Taft next took the seat ; 

This fall his term will be complete. 

Next Wilson was the nation's choice, 

Which made the Democrats rejoice; 

How well he ^eers the Ship of State 

Four years hence we may relate. 

(To be spoken by several boys in concert:) 

Now a cheer for every President 
Who e'er has ruled our land ! 



80 Diamonds in the Rough 

And for the comiing President 

We'll cheer to beat the band ! 

And when the years have come and gone, 

And WE have grown to men, 

Then some of us may fill the place, 

And rule our country then. 

Hurrah ! Hurrah ! for Washington ; 

Hurrah ! Hurrah ! for Taft ; 

Woodrow Wilson next shall steer 

Our Governmental Craft. 

Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! 

(Fall of 1912.) 



*♦* *♦* 



WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY 



This is the day we celebrate 

The birth of Washington, 
Who was a soldier, strong and brave, 

And fought with sword and gun. 

And George was loved and honored 
'Most everywhere he went; 

He was his country's father. 
And our first president. 

Once, when he was a little boy. 

About like me or you, 
A friend gave him a hatchet 

So sharp, and bright, and new. 



Diamonds in the Rough 81 

And then he chopped, and chopped, and chopped 

Whatever he could see, 
Until at last he came across 

His father's cherry tree. 



And, strange to tell, he didn't know 

That it was very bad. 
But he chopped down that cherry tree 

And made his father sad. 

And when his dad discovered 
What havoc had been done, 

He then began to question 
His naughty little son. 

And Georgie thought for certain 
That he was going to catch it, 

But answered bravely: "It was I — 
I did it with my hatchet." 

Then father kissed dear little George, 
And said: "How proud am I 

To own a noble little son 
Who dare not tell a lie." 

Us little boys should always do 
The things we know are right ; 

But sometimes we are tempted 
To smoke, or swear, or fight. 

And if we do a wicked thing, 
Let's answer: "It was I," 

And say to dad, as Georgie did : 
"I cannot tell a lie." 



82 Diamonds in the Rough 

And then perhaps he'll kiss us. 

And call us darling son, 
And say: ^'You are a hero 

Just like George Washington." 



(Recitation for Washington's Birthday. To be spoken 
by small boy and girl.) 

George (with small hatchet) : 

You see my hatchet bright and new? 
I'll chop like Georgie used to do. 
My mother says I sure will catch it, 
If I spoil things with my new hatchet; 
But I have got more sense, you see — 
I wouldn't chop a cherry tree; 
I'll be a president some day; 
But now I'll with my hatchet play. 

Martha (with doll) : 

Well, I am glad I'm not a boy ; 
A hatchet's not a pretty toy; 
I'd rather with my dolly play 
Than have a hatchet, any day, 
Once Martha she was little, too. 
And played with dollies like I do. 
So you can play 3'ou're Washington, 
But playing Martha is more fun. 



Diamonds in the Rough 83 



COLORADO 



A tribute to our Colorado : 
Of all the states she is queen; 

When from her sunshine we wander, 
Still of her charms oft we dream. 



Attractions galore does she offer. 

Climate? It cannot be beat; 
Summers are simply delightful, 

And to the tourist a treat; 
Air from the cool, snow-capped mountains, 

Pure as a baby's sweet breath — 
Breathe deep the life-giving ozone! 

Farewell, ye sickness and death ! 

Night breezes, cool and refreshing. 

Soothing the weary to sleep ; 
Morpheus woos you, so gently, 

Into dream-shadows so deep. 
Winters are short, mild, and pleasant; 

Often the days are like spring; 
Then, for the mere joy of living, 

Songs of thanksgiving you'll sing. 

Fruit we have here in abundance; 

Vegetables grow large and fine; 
And when you're speaking of melons, 

That's where we certainly shine. 
Arkansas melons are luscious ; 

Texas grows some rather fine; 
But, for their flavor and sweetness. 

Rocky Ford melons for mine! 



84 Diamonds in the Rough 

Ore of all kinds we have, also, 

Hid in the earth's fruitful womb ; 
Riches untold for the seeking — 

Why live in poverty's gloom? 
Coal fields we find the state over ; 

Copper, and silver, and gold; 
Farm lands, so vast and prolific ; 

Cattle and sheep in the fold. 

City, or coal camp, or village, 

Valley, or canon, or glen ; 
Ranch nestled high in the mountains, 

Far from the gay haunts of men, 
Lulled by the song of the brooklet. 

Fanned by the zephyrs so free — 
'Most any old place in Colorado 

Is good enough for me! 



Come to this land of plenty — 
Land of the Golden West, 

Flowing with milk and honey. 
With every blessing blest ! 



(Written on the Death of My Dear Brother Will.) 

Asleep in Jesus — blessed sleep. 
From which none ever wake to w^eep! 
At an end all earthly care; 
Safe with loved ones over there! 

He has gone and left us here, 
And our hearts are sad and drear. 
How we miss you, dearest Will! 
Cherished is your memory still. 



Diamonds in the Rough ^ 

Still so young, with prospects bright, 
Smile. so merry, heart so light; 
Yet vanished is life's fitful spark- 
Death ever loves a shining mark. 

He was e'er a loving friend, 
Husband, father, to the end; 
Brother fond, and tender son — 
Now his acts of love are done. 

Sad the parting; yet we know 
God has willed to have it so. 
Sickness, pain, and death are o'er. 
He's at rest on the other shore. 

He has gone to his reward, 

Happy ever with the Lord. 

Though for him our sad hearts yearn. 

Would we wish him to return? 

No! We would not if we might; 
For God doeth all things right ; 
And He called our loved one home, 
From His side no more to roam. 

'Tis ever hard to kiss the rod. 
When we lay a dear one 'neath the sod; 
But in that brighter, better land, 
Ah! then up there we'll understand! 



86 Diamonds in the Rough 



RIGHT IS MIGHT 



I often read the Holy Book — 
I read these lines to-day: 
''The wicked flourish," so it says, 
"Like to a green bay tree." 

Though it seems mighty certain 

The spoils are to the strong, 
Yet, sometime, somewhere, we are sure 

That right shall conquer wrong. 

And every dog shall have his day; 

The longest lane, a turn; 
And there will come a time when men 

Shall get the wage they earn. 

E'en though the strong oppress the weak, 

The rich may scorn the poor, 
There'll be a day of reckoning, 

For retribution's sure. 

So, do not be discouraged. 

But labor and endure; 
The mills of the gods grind slowly. 

But they grind exceeding sure. 

Though deeds of darkness prosper. 

We need not be dismayed; 
For right is might, and must prevail, 

Though it be long delayed. 



Diamonds in the Rough 87 



MONKEYS AND MEN 



(In answer to a poem, entitled "Monkeys and Cocoa- 
nuts.") 

We read the pretty story 

Of nuts and palmy trees 
Which fringe that lovely coral strand, 

Across the briny seas; 

And see a close resemblance 

Between the monk and man, 
Who takes the largest cocoanuts 

How and whene'er he can. 



We are the monk's descendants — 

For Darwin tells us so; 
And we are very much the same 

As in that long ago. 

The tail has been discarded 
As useless, in the game, 

And there are some improvements 
In intellect and frame. 

But still our monkey brother 
Could man a lesson teach: 

He called those monks together 
And preached a little preach. 

He said that unto him belonged 
The largest and the best; 

But, after he had picked them out, 
They might have all the rest. 



88 Diamonds in the Rough 

The spoils are always to the strong; 

The weaker are bereft ; 
The mighty simian picks the best ; 

The others get what's left. 

The monkey is more generous, 

More thoughtful of his kind, 
And vastly more considerate, 

Than man, of larger mind. 

Instead of slyly sorting 

The cocoanuts that fall. 
And picking out the largest ones, 

Mere man would swipe them all. 



BURY THE HATCHET 



Bury the hatchet, and bury it deep ; 
Over its ashes a vigil then keep ; 
Do unto others whatever is right; 
Life is too short for envy and spite. 

Banish forever all hatred and greed. 
Lending a hand to a brother in need ; 
Lay all your grievances back on the shelf, 
Loving your neighbor as well as yourself. 

''Live and let live," is a maxim quite old ; 
Also remember that ''silence is gold ;" 
When of a friend another speaks ill. 
Ever uphold him, with right good will. 



Diamonds in the Rough 



Make this old world a happier place, 
Helping the weaker ones on in life's race ; 
Lift up the fallen when he is down; 
Give him a smile and never a frown. 

What is the use to be always a-growling, 
Always a-knocking and always a-howling? 
Good will is a chicken that comes home to roost. 
Boost for each other, friends, don't knock — 
BOOST ! 



ARKANSAS 



(Tune: "Beulah Land.") 
There is a land of pure delight, 
Where dogs, and cats, and chiggers bite; 
Where crops are always looking well — 
To hear the Arkansawyers tell. 

Chorus — 

O Arkansas, dear Arkansas ! 
Land of the chigger and paw-paw ! 
It is, indeed, the Promised Land ; 
"All other ground is sinking sand." 
While scratching chigger bites galore. 
Sing Arkansas, forevermore! 

The climate there is hard to beat; 
They raise most everything to eat: 
The cool, refreshing "mountain air" 
Makes labor, too, a pleasure rare. 

Chorus — 



90 Diamonds in the Rough 

The farmers are so prosperous like — 
They just sit 'round and smoke their pipe; 
The soil, it raises everything, 
And into town their crops they bring. 
Chorus — 

And they get rich a-selling them — 
At least, they told me so — ahem ! 
A wagon-load of apples fine 
Will bring a dollar any old time. 
Chorus — 

The farmers' wives, they too get rich 
A-selling butter, eggs, and "sich ;" 
A dozen eggs, so fresh and fine, 
At any store would bring a dime. 
Chorus — 

The "land shark" also rolls in wealth, 
A-selling real estate, by stealth; 
He takes a "sucker" by the hand 
And shows to him the Promised Land. 
Chorus — 

His oily tongue is long and slick. 
And tells just how to get rich quick. 
By buying up a farm or so, 
And sitting down to watch things grow. 
Chorus — 

In spring and fall it rains, and rains. 
And rains, and rains, and rains, and rains; 
But when your crops are growing fine. 
There's ne'er a cloud, but all sunshine. 
Chorus — 



Diamonds in the Rough 91 

And when your com is parched and dry, 
You'll pray for rain and watch it die; 
While clouds of dust float on the breeze, 
You'll sit and pant beneath the trees. 
Chorus — 

My parents live down there, you see; 

My only brother, so does he; 

My husband's parents there reside; 

Also a sister dear beside. 

Chorus — 

They left fair Colorado State, 
And went down there to make a stake; 
But this I feel, deep in my heart : 
From Arkansas they'll soon depart. 
Chorus — 

Leaving a life of grinding toil. 
Hike back to Colorado soil. 
We'll welcome you with open arms, 
And sing of Colorado's channs ! 

Chorus — 

O Arkansas, dear Arkansas ! etc. 



92 Diamonds in the Rough 



A BIRTHDAY WISH. 



With the passing of the years, 
May they bring more smiles than tears. 
More of pleasure than of pain, 
More of sunshine than of rain ! 



Oft we do not prize the music 

'Till the birdies all have flown, 
Nor appreciate the flowers 

'Till the storms of winter come ; 
And the friends who love us dearly 

Oft we wound with look and tone, 
And forget to treat them kindly 

When we have them for our own. 



JAN 6 1913 



I 



